Counter counterfeiting

Under a new EU counterfeiting and piracy directive, recently approved by the Council of Ministers, customs and trading officials will receive stronger powers to seize fake goods and it is intended that rights holders should find it easier to secure financial compensation, injunctions, damages and the destruction and recall of illegal goods. Judges will also be able to reveal the names and addresses of counterfeit good distributors. Member state governments will be required to exchange information via a system of national correspondents.